Why governments, schools and other public institutions should use Github.

Shirky, as ever, makes some really good points but the key for me is the way how well he explains the significance of Git version control software – perhaps most commonly used via Github. It has democratic features built into its core.

Watch the video through to the end and you’ll understand why we at Mozilla are trying to create a generation of Webmakers – people who can tinker with the web and, by extension, engage in participative, democratic activity.

5 Comments

Dethe Elza

“Most people who know about “open source” (including Free/Libre software) understand it as a technological model. A smaller group says no, really it’s an economic model[…] But while both of these perspectives are narrowly correct, they are also both incomplete. Ultimately, open source is a political model.” –Jamais Cascio, Technological Self-Determinism (http://www.worldchanging.com/archives//004228.html)

Dethe Elza

“This [the adoption of open source software] isn’t just my idea, or Brazil’s idea. It’s the idea of our time. The complexity of our times demands it.” –Gilberto Gil, Brazilian Minister of Culture

“The Brazilian government is definitely pro-law. But if law doesn’t fit reality anymore, law has to be changed. That’s not a new thing. That’s civilisation as usual.” –Gilberto Gil, Brazilian Minister of Culture